The Friends of the Tay Watershed is holding their annual Watershed Discovery Day on Saturday, August 18, in downtown Perth. This family-friendly event is a one-stop shop for information about our local water, lakes and streams, how they are managed, and the present challenges facing them. You will also find out about the programs that can help you address them.

Displays and experts will be on hand to answer questions including: Watersheds Canada; Rideau Valley Conservation Authority; Rideau Environmental Action League; the Town of Perth; Lanark County Stewardship Council; and Ottawa Riverkeeper.

Click here for more information about Friends of the Tay Watershed association.

Click here to read the most recent newsletter of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations, which includes a number of articles of interest to Big Rideau Lake cottagers and boaters such as cottage closing tips, end of season updates, lake environment and public policy news.

The Manotick Classic Boat Club's 42nd Antique & Classic Boat Show will be held Saturday August 11, 2018 in the Village of Westport.

Registration for displays in the show is open to MCBC members and non-members alike, at a cost of $20 per boat or land display. Click here for the registration package; thedeadline for registration is July 31, 2018. Space is limited and will be allocated on a 'first come' basis.

The boat show is open for viewing to members of the public, at no charge. In lieu of a public admission charge the Village of Westport will be accepting voluntary donations to the Harbour Fund. Moneys raised will be used to enlarge and improve the Westport Harbour.

An upcoming production at Studio Theatre Perth will be special interest to cottagers. On Golden Pond is astory about Ethel and Norman Thayer, an aging couple who for decades have spent summers at their cottage on a lake in northern Maine called Golden Pond. When their daughter Chelsea comes to visit with her new boyfriend and his son, their lives begin to change and a new chapter in their lives begins.

The play opens June 28 with performances June 28, 29, 30, July 5, 6 & 7 at 7:30 pm and July 8 at 2:00 pm.

Rideau Canal Info Bulletin:"2018 is the perfect time to experience the rich heritage and natural beauty of this Canadian National Historic Site and we continue to improve our visitor offering by developing new and innovative programs, improved facilities and expanded services.

This season, visitors to the canal can take advantage of two free lockage days. This coming weekend, on Sunday, June 24th all boaters can enjoy free lockage as a “thank you” for a great 2017 Season and on July 1st free lockage will be provided in celebration of Canada Day.

Paddlers can still take advantage of a 50% discount on seasonal lockage permits for canoes and kayaks. The lockage permit is valid for the entire navigation season and provides passage through all of Parks Canada’s historic canals.